Elders More Vulnerable To "Poisonous" Drug Cocktails

Scott Barber

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A recent New York Times article reports that elderly patients are much more vulnerable to "poisonous" drug cocktails. Elderly persons, those over the age of 65, are more likely to be taking multiple medications for multiple conditions which have been prescribed by multiple physicians. This can result in elders receiving medications which should not be prescribed together. This can even occur in nursing homes where all medications should be dispensed by a pharmacist.

Dr. Michael Stern, a specialist in geriatric emergency medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, reported in the June issue of Emergency Medicine that the elderly took about 40 percent of prescribed drugs, roughly twice what younger adults take, and that they suffered twice as many adverse drug reactions as younger people. This is particularly concerning due to the fragility of the health of many elder patients.

Preventative measures include preparing a list of all medications being taken, both prescribed and over the counter and taking this list to all doctor visits. Also, never take and over-the-counter medication without first consulting with a physician to ensure that it will not negatively interact with prescribed medications. Finally, elders should be aware of the potential side-effects of the medications which they are taking and report any adverse symptoms.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices and Implants.